Months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelin confirmed its inspectors, the anonymous arbiters of its mostly Eurocentric value system, had returned to their evaluation duties. In April 2021, the anticipated announcement of D.C.’s Michelin-rated restaurants for 2021 added five names to the coveted list: Jônt (two stars), Rooster & Owl, Xiquet, Cranes, and El Cielo.
All of D.C.’s existing Michelin-rated restaurants stayed put for the fifth edition of its guide. The French tire company previously said it would keep the star status of temporarily closed restaurants. In D.C., that includes Minibar by José Andrés and Pineapple and Pearls, both exorbitant tasting rooms with two Michelin stars, and one-star Plume, inside the Jefferson hotel. The following 20 restaurants serve food in various models, with some leaning into takeout and others offering indoor dining at 25 percent capacity in compliance with D.C.’s Phase 2 reopening guidelines.
A number of D.C. area restaurants have resumed dine-in service. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. The Washington Post is tracking coronavirus cases and deaths in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. More information can be found at coronavirus.dc.gov. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
Note: Restaurants are listed based on star count, grouped by ownership if they’re in the same company, and then ordered alphabetically.
Read More